It was a badly calculated strategy by the RFU. My supposition is that the RFU want the teams to be aligned with the men's premiership and also to be distributed across the whole country. Had Sale and Newcastle not pulled out at the last minute, it would have been likely that Darlington would have also missed out, and that Waterloo would not have been included. That would have, to a certain extent, softened the blow against Lichfield. I can only assume that the reason that Loughborough have been chosen above Lichfield is because of their links to elite sport more generally and the facilities that they can offer. I'm also assuming that the Loughborough team will not solely be a student side since they aren't even at the top of the BUCS league, otherwise they will struggle against the other Super League sides.
Nevertheless, the process of decision making should be made public. The criteria on which decisions were made need to be wholly transparent, and there needs to be a clear and open discussion.
I suggest Lichfield's next stop is Sports Resolutions, the dispute resolution service which have expert legal advice and is signed up to by most sport governing bodies (though I'm not sure whether this includes the RFU).

It's quite incredible. As far as I know nothing has been published about the criteria or ratings, the whole process was apparently kept very confidential. In Nigel Melville's interview with Nick Heath he said the RFU were committed to working with the teams that didn't qualify to help them reach the standard required; I am at a loss t see what more Lichfield could do: produce even more internationals?

The decision has confounded me like everyone I have spoken to. If the decision is not changed I think it would be an embarrassment for the rfu. Even worse for the ladies who will need to leave Lichfield if things do not change. Has the selection criteria and ratings been published?

Thursday night with my fellow COGS is the absolute highlight of my hectic work week. It's the only time that I get to myself and totally switch on from work. Not only do we have fun but now have developed some great footballing skills to play competitive sports! As a parent for which have stood at the side lines watching my daughter play for the last 12 years I now get the chance to play and at most sessions together in fact, the mum and daughter duo! We have a fantastic coach for whom without we would not be at the level we are today.
NEVER TOO OLD TO PLAY!

I am 57 and so pleased that COGS was set up. The training sessions are the highlight of my week and I cannot wait to get there on a Thursday for the fun, laughter, training and the mini football match at the end of each session. I am so much fitter than I was last year and absolutely love it. Come on ladies it is such a fun way of getting fitter without realising it. I am loving my football and Marcus, our coach, has even given me a nickname. I am the Rock in the defence.

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